Broad Art Museum hosts bracket-style event, giving the public a chance to choose a new piece for display

Thursday, March 7 — What do MSU Spartans guard Keith Appling and surrealist painter Salvador Dali have in common? Both are part of the March Madness fever this month.

As Tom Izzo’s Spartans battle through the month for a shot at the national championship, the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum has organized “March Madness at the Broad,” in which 64 pieces of art will go head to head for the chance to be on display at the museum. The bracket-style competition goes through April 4.

The museum has set up a blog where the 64 pieces of art can be viewed and commented on to determine the sweet 16. On April 5, the winning artwork will be revealed during the “Art History Slam” at 7 p.m. at the museum. This event, which is open to the public, will showcase the top 16 contenders. It incudesl include live music from Tall Heights and hot beverages on the patio.

Leyna Lightman, manager of education at the Broad, said this event is meant to be interactive for the community in every way.

“During the Art History Slam, people can go up to rant and rave about their favorite object in the sweet 16,” Lightman said. The audience and Broad staff will choose the winning art piece.